Hirano, now ranked sixth in the world, became the first Japanese to win the World Cup singles title last year. She said that playing in the Chinese Super League has helped her become what she is today.

"I have won many titles," Hirano said. "I know I am under a lot of pressure. But I have a very positive attitude."

In the men's competition, Germany is among the title challengers, namely with world number five Dimitrij Ovtcharov and world number eight Timo Boll.

"I hope, of course, to get my first world championship singles medal," said Ovtcharov, who reached the last 16 three times in a row since 2009. "But there are actually more strong players at the world championships than at the Olympics. It will be anything but easy."

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